The Story of "Mormonism" and The Philosophy of "Mormonism"Talmage, James E. (James Edward)
Religion
The Story of "Mormonism" and The Philosophy of "Mormonism"
Talmage, James E. (James Edward)
Latter Day Saint churches; Latter Day Saints
It will be seen, then, that "Mormonism" offers no modified or
conditional claims as to the necessity of compliance with the
laws and ordinances of the gospel by every responsible inhabitant
of earth unto whom salvation shall come. It distinguishes not
between enlightened and heathen nations, nor between men of high
and low intelligence; nor even between the living and the dead.
No human being who has attained years of accountability in the
flesh, may hope for salvation in the kingdom of God until he has
rendered obedience to the requirements of Christ, the Redeemer of
the world.
But while thus decisive, "Mormonism" is not exclusive. It does
not claim that all who have failed to accept and obey the gospel
of eternal life shall be eternally and forever damned. While
boldly asserting that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints is the sole repository of the Holy Priesthood as now
restored to earth, it teaches and demands the fullest toleration
for all individuals, and organizations of individuals, professing
righteousness; and holds that each shall be rewarded for the
measure of good he has wrought, to be adjudged in accordance with
the spiritual knowledge he has gained. For such high claims
combined with such professions of tolerance, the Church has been
accused of inconsistency. Let it not be forgotten, however, that
toleration is not acceptance. I may believe with the utmost
fulness of my soul's powers that I am right and my neighbor is
wrong concerning any proposition or principle; but such
conviction gives me no semblance of right for interfering with
his exercise of freedom. The only bounds to the liberty of an
individual are such as mark the liberty of another, or the rights
of the community. God himself treats as sacred, and therefore as
inviolable, the freedom of the human soul.
"Know this, that every soul is free
To choose his life and what he'll be;
For this eternal truth is given,
That God will force no man to heaven.
"He'll call, persuade, direct aright,
Bless him with wisdom, love, and light;
In nameless ways be good and kind,
But never force the human mind."
"Mormonism" contends that no man or nation possesses the right to
forcibly deprive even the heathen of his right to worship his
deity. Though idolatry has been marked from the earliest ages
with the seal of divine disfavor, it may represent in the
unenlightened soul the sincerest reverence of which the person is
capable. He should be taught better, but not compelled to render
worship which to him is false because in violation of his
conscience.
In further defense of the Latter-day Saints against the charge of
inconsistency for this their tolerance toward others whom they
verily believe to be wrong, let me again urge the cardinal
principle that every man is accountable for his acts, and shall
be judged in the light of the law as made known to him.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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